Make yourself at home

MONTREAL - When Michael McNiven elected to make Montreal his full-time training ground this summer, Simon Bourque and his mother, Manon, stepped up to lend a helping hand.

Manon opened up her Saint-Lambert home to the 20-year-old netminder, graciously welcoming him in.
"I told Simon that I was coming into town [back in May], but I wasn't too sure where I'd be living. He talked to his mom, and they were nice enough and kind enough to have me," said McNiven, a Georgetown, ON native, who was named the CHL's Goaltender of the Year following a standout campaign with the OHL's Owen Sound Attack. "It's huge to have a place to stay, somewhere to eat good meals every day and fuel the body while training. I really wanted to make the commitment of being here in the offseason, and not knowing basically anyone in this city, living with Simon helped me out a lot. I'm also learning a few French words here and there and trying to pick up the language."

McNiven wasn't a stranger in the Bourque home upon his arrival one month ago, though.
"I already brought guys to dinner during development camp last year, so she kind of knew him a little bit. She was really happy that he was coming in. It worked out pretty well," said Bourque regarding his new roomie. "My mom likes Michael a lot, and my step-dad, Paul, does too. It's been really fun. We've had some good times so far together."
That included making a trip to Bourque's former QMJHL hockey home of Rimouski last weekend, where the pair took part in the Pro Sport JMD Classic, a 4-on-4 charity hockey tournament to benefit the Children's Wish Foundation. They also celebrated McNiven's 20th birthday in the area on July 9.
"If I were in his shoes, I'd like someone to bring me in - a guy I know, someone I could feel comfortable with. Montreal is a big city, you don't want to leave a guy hanging. I just bring him with me wherever I go. I want to make sure that he has a good summer even if he isn't home," said Bourque, who got to know McNiven a few years ago through fellow Canadiens prospect Jeremiah Addison, his former development camp and rookie camp roommate.
"When I first came here, [Charles] Hudon took charge of me. When I was in Rimouski at 16, I had good veterans there to support me. It was the same thing in St. John's when I was there for a few games [in 2015-16]. I was living at the hotel and I couldn't make meals, so guys invited me over to their apartments. I think that's how hockey players are. It's a brotherhood. You always want to help the guy next to you," added Bourque.
These days, that means pushing one another five days per week at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard with the start of their respective pro careers on the horizon.
"The group of players we have working out together - myself, Simon, Daniel Audette, Antoine Waked, and watching Tomas Plekanec - it's amazing to see. Being around the pro atmosphere is something special. We're in the Montreal Canadiens gym, and it's a really good feeling," said McNiven, who will soon begin two-a-day workouts with his training group on the South Shore. "This type of atmosphere only makes you work harder every day."

Likewise, the 20-year-old defenseman is thoroughly enjoying the experience as well.
"It's the fact that both of us want the same thing. If one guy does something, the other guy is going to want to do it. We're working hard, but we're still finding ways to have fun. Michael's a great guy and we enjoy our time in the gym and at home," said Bourque, who, like McNiven, had a season to remember in 2016-17, claiming the QMJHL crown with Saint John Sea Dogs before taking part in the Memorial Cup in Windsor, ON. "Seeing Nivs, who really wants to get better and get in better shape, it's motivating. It's good to work with a guy that has the same goals as you."
And, if McNiven and Bourque end plying their trade for the Canadiens' new AHL affiliate in Laval come October, they plan on being housemates again - along with Addison, of course.
"We'll probably get a place together. We bonded so quickly. For us, it's just normal," said Bourque, who would obviously relish the chance to suit up for the Rocket with his two good buddies in tow. "As much as you want to see yourself succeed, you want to see others succeed, too. That's what's cool about Nivs and all these guys."